Arcadia Vale Care and Early Education Centre

Welcome Everybody!

Welcome back for 2012. We hope you all enjoyed the holidays. It’s wonderful to see familiar faces, and also to welcome new families.

Australians All Let Us Rejoice

The centre will be closed on Thursday, 26th January for the Australia Day Public Holiday-fees will not be charged for this day.

Children’s Clothing, Shoes and Belongings

A big thank you to all our families who label all their children’s belonging- We encourage all our children (yes, even the 2’s) to look after their own things.  We cannot stress enough how important it is that
ALL CHILDRENS BELONGINGS ARE CLEARLY LABELLED.-ESPECIALLY LUNCH BOXES AND DRINK BOTTLES
Children cannot access their lunchboxes/drinks/bottles/dummies unless clearly labelled.

Rest and Relaxation Time

As you are aware, after lunch the children are divided into two rooms: the Resting Room for children who have a sleep, and the Relaxation Room for non-sleepers who engage in a relaxation programme. Parents are asked which room best suits the needs of their child. Please take the time to fill out the sheet attached to this newsletter so we know which room your child will be going to. Children who will be resting (including children who are nominated as children’s choice) will need to bring their bedding each day they attend
Please note that if any child asks to have a sleep we cannot refuse them.
See Brett or Sharon if you have any questions.

Children’s Portfolios

Thank you to the families who returned their 2011 Portfolio Evaluation forms.  This year’s portfolios will be slightly different, as they will be complied following the guidelines of the Early Years Learning Framework (ELY)
For the children who don’t live with both their parents, please see staff if you would like them to complete a second portfolio.

RIP Hussein

It is with great sadness that we share the news that our sponsor child Hussein passed away from pneumonia on the 4th December We have sponsored Hussein through World Vision for two years. We continued to sponsor Hussein’s family throughout December, and we are now sponsoring Kulow Abdi Abdi. Kulow is an 11 year old boy who lives with his parents, brother and sisters in Kenya.

Lake Room Family and Communities Wall

The back wall in the Lake Room has become our Families and Communities wall. This wall is a visual display of ourselves, our families, our community and incorporates the themes of diversity, respect and inclusion. We wish to actively encourage our families to contribute to this through contributing a word or image you would like to be displayed. The wall also includes a scrapbooking frame-please add any photos, notes or items such as movie tickets, a note describing a recent activity, a brochure, a picture of something your child is interested in etc. (please make sure these are labelled). These will then be used as a springboard for conversations with the children, and will then be incorporated into our daily learning experiences.
Please see Sharon if you have any questions.

Education and Care Services National Regulations

From the 1st January every childcare centre in Australia is governed by the Education and Care Services National Regulation, which includes the National Quality Standard (NQS), Early Years Learning Framework (ELYF) and the National Quality Framework (NQF). Our regulatory body is the NSW Early Childhood Education and Care Directorate. Information is posted on the noticeboard in the entry foyer, and we ask that all families take a few moments to read this.
Please see educators if you have any questions.

Sun Safety

We would like to remind all our families that prior to arrival at the centre children must be wearing 30t, broad spectrum, water resistant sun screen on all areas of exposed skin. Staff re-apply sunscreen before we go outside in the afternoon. Sunscreen must be applied at least 20 minutes prior to exposure to the sun. Staff and children wear sunscreen all year round.
Children who arrive without having sunscreen applied, or who aren’t wearing clothing that complies with the Sun Protection Policy will be limited to playing in shaded areas- that is the veranda and cubby house.. Please note that we don’t provide sun screen for siblings or parents

Thank you

Sharon, Brett, Anneke, Tara, Nicole and Abbey

August 2011 Newsletter

School Readiness Information Night

We would like to thank those families who braved the cold and wet weather to attend our School Readiness Information Night. We have received lots of positive feedback about the information presented. If you would like to discuss your child’s individual progress, please speak to Anneke to organise a time.

Important Reminders

We would like to give the flowing reminders regarding safety, health and hygiene:

• It is essential that children wear correctly fitting shoes which have a non-slip sole. NO THONGS/SLIDES/FLIPFLOPS/SLIPPERS/GUMBOOTS
• For safety reasons children should not wear jewellery while they are at the centre. There is also the risk of the jewellery being lost or broken. If a child has pierced ears studs are permitted-NO DANGLY/HANGING OR HOOPED STYLES.
• Please note that both scarves and hoods cannot be worn as they are a strangulation hazard
• if your child is in nappies you are required to supply a minimum of 4 nappies per day. The centre supplies baby wipes and nappy sacs.
• We have a limited supply of spare clothes, so it is essential every child has spare clothes in their bag.
• Long hair needs to be tied back with a hair-tie.

Thankyou

Thankyou to all our families who have donated boxes and other art and craft materials-this is greatly appreciated. At this time we are not collecting any more boxes.

Say Cheese

Our school photos this year will be taken on 30^th and 31^st August. We will be using the same photographer as last year. Please find order forms attached.

Joel Howlett Magic Show

On 5^th August Joel Howlett will be at the centre to perform his magic show starting at 10:30-if your child does not attend on this day please bring them along. We are providing this experience at no cost to families.

Pizza and Pyjama Party

That’s right; it’s time once again for our annual Pizza and Pyjama Party. Every day of the week beginning Monday 15^th August everyone wears their pyjamas to day care-even the staff. We are going to make pyjama party food (pizza-muffins, sauce, shredded ham, grated cheese).Families still need to provide lunch for your child, and pyjamas must comply with the sun safe policy. Children also need shoes rather than slippers/boots/ugg boots. Dressing gowns can be worn indoors; however children will need a jumper to change into for outdoor learning experiences.

NOTE: Please inform staff in writing if you do not wish your child to participate.

Information Night: Podiatry and Physical Development

On the 7^th September Adam Glassock from Newcastle Family Sports and Podiatry will be a guest speaker at our information night. Below is a brief description of what will be discussed:

Children’s growing legs and feet go through a number of changes in their early years.  Understanding and ensuring that this is occurring at the right time and in the correct manner is vitally important to appropriate growth and function .Like our children’s teeth, their legs, hips, knees and feet need to be checked and monitored to ensure this is occurring. In toed or out toed gait, excessively flat feet, toe walking, poor hip and core control (balance and stability) and pain associated with these and other problems can be diagnosed and treated with the long term outcomes much better when early diagnosis is made .Experience is vitally important when dealing with the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of childhood biomechanics. At Newcastle Family & Sports Podiatry there has been a long history with Allan Boys & Adam Glascock of assessing children to ensure appropriate growth and good outcomes. It is important to understand what should be occurring with the child’s foot and lower limb at various ages

Thankyou Sharon, Brett, Anneke, Tara, Nicole and Kasey

Happy Birthday to Us!

On the 4^th July we turn 6 years old! The six years has flown by, we have grown and evolved, met challenges, cried tears of joy and sadness. We are happy to have shared the past six years with so many wonderful children and their families-thank you for allowing us to be part of your child’s life-we are truly honoured.

NAIDOC Week Celebrations

 This year we will be holding NAIDOC (National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee) Week celebrations every day from the 4^th-9^th July. Learning experiences will include stories, music, art and discussions.

Say Cheese

Our school photos this year will be taken on 30^th and 31^st August. We will be using the same photographer as last year. We will have more information closer to the date.

Joel Howlett Magic Show

On 5^th August Joel Howlett will be at the centre to perform his magic show-if your child does not attend on this day please bring them along. We are providing this experience at no cost to families. We will have more information closer to the date.

Information Night: School Readiness

On  Wednesday 20^th July we are holding an information night. Staff from Rathmines Public School will be our guest speakers to discuss the topic of school readiness., including “Best Start”.  Even if your child is not starting school in 2012, this night will provide information on the skills they will need to develop next year so they are ready for school in 2013. Don’t forget that our School Readiness Programme actually begins in the Lake Room, with the development of social skills and independence The night will start at 6:30pm, and refreshments will be provided. More information is attached, including an RSVP

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS WILL BE HELD AT RATHMINES PRESCHOOL

Early Years Learning Framework and National Quality Framework

From the 1^st January 2012 we will be governed by new national regulations and quality assurance system. Over the coming months you will notice changes to the way we document our programmes, learning experiences and children’s participation. We will continue to provide educational activities based on the needs and interests of the children. We welcome any feedback, suggestions and ideas regarding this. It is important to note that as these new regulations and frameworks are still in draft form, this will be an ongoing process, and staff will continue to undergo training and attend network meetings.

We would like to say a big thank you to those families who ring us when their child is going being to be away. Please be aware that families are required to notify us by 9a.m on any day that their child is going to be absent. Repeated absences without notification will result in a child’s place at the centre being forfeited.

A “Failure to Notify of Absence Fee” of $5 will be charged for each day a child is absent without notice

Sharing Information

Sharing information with families is an essential part of our everyday operations, and we understand that families like to talk to staff at the time they are dropping off or collecting their child. It is essential to remember that if a member of staff is conducting a group time, interacting with the children or helping children in any way that this is our priority. During these times another member of staff is available to talk, or leave a message with. If there is something you wish to discuss with staff in detail, a time will be organised when staff are able to talk without disrupting the group or our supervision/interactions. We understand that sometimes   families need to drop off or collect their child during our rest time/relaxation or group times.. This is fine, but it is essential that this is done as quickly and quietly as possible in order to minimise any disruption to the group.

Thankyou Sharon, Brett, Nicole, Tara, Kasey and Anneke

Family Disco

Our annual Family Disco is being held on Saturday 25^th June at Wangi RSL Club This year both the Lake and Ocean Room will be doing a special performance, so make sure you do bring your cameras. Please find attached this newsletter a note with more details, and an RSVP to fill out and return.

For catering purposes RSVP’s need to be returned no later than Friday 10^th June

Time for the Winter Woolies

Winter is certainly upon us, and it is getting colder every week. It’s important that children come dressed in appropriate clothing for the weather i.e.  Long pants instead of shorts, socks, shoes., long sleeved shirts and jumpers. Please note that both scarves and hoods are not appropriate clothing to wear as they are a strangulation hazard, and therefore cannot be worn. Please note that children are not to wear slippers, ugg boots or gumboots, as these have poor grip and are a slipping/tripping hazard It is essential that all shoes fit correctly

PLEASE PACK A FULL SET OF SPARE CLOTHES INCLUDING SOCKS.

Staff Swap: Trainee Education

. Due to a change in training regulations, trainees are now required to work with children in different age groups. From Monday, 30^th May Kasey will be in the Ocean Room every day with Anneke. Tara, Nicole and Sharon will be working in the Lake Room. This means that Kasey will learn about a wider range of programming, observing and interacting with children, staff and families.  As all staff have formed positive relationships and are familiar with all the children the disruption is minimal, and consistency of care is maintained. Please see Brett or Sharon if you have any questions.

Long Weekend

Just a reminder that we will be closed on Monday, 13^h June for the Queen’s Birthday public holiday.

Fees are not charged for this day, and we hope everybody enjoys their long weekend.

Health Foods Aren’t Always Healthy

Despite claims on the packaging- and the fact they are actually sold in the health food aisle- many so called health foods are actually VERY HIGH IN FAT, SUGAR AND SALT. They also tend to be very expensive. It’s important to read the nutrition labels on the packaging before putting these foods in your child’s lunchbox. Please follow this guide when choosing foods:

*  Foods which contain more than 20g of total fat or 5g saturated fat per 100g are high in fat

* If a food contains more than 15g of sugar per 100g it is high in sugar

* If a food contains more than 600mg sodium per 100g it is high in salt

Please keep these foods for special treats at home

Information Super Highway

Our website now has new photos in the gallery section. If you want to look at these the address is www.arcadiavalechildcare.com. Don’t forget that you can leave a comment in the testimonials section.

Thankyou Sharon, Brett, Anneke, Tara, Nicole and Kasey

May  2011 Newsletter

Winter Programme

We are now operating under our winter programme, which means we have indoor activities first and go outside after morning tea.  Our daily routine for the winter programme is displayed above our daily attendance sheets. Our Sun Safe Policy is adhered to all year round, so the children still need to wear a broad brimmed hat or legionnaire style cap when playing outside. Please remember to apply sunscreen prior to your child’s arrival

Thank you

A great big thank you to all those families who supported our Entertainment Book fundraiser. Without these fundraisers we would not be able to provide activities such as the magic show, chicken hatchery and family disco

Family Disco

Our annual Family Disco is being held on Saturday 25^th June at Wangi RSL Club This year both the Lake and Ocean Room will be doing a special performance, so make you to bring your cameras A note will go out soon with all the details.

Staff Swap: Trainee Education

As you aware, Brett and Sharon also own Rathmines Preschool. Due to a change in training regulations, trainees are now required to work with children in different age groups. As Rathmines caters for children aged 3-5 years, Cassie from Rathmines will be working here from the 16^th-27^th May, and Kasey will be working at Rathmines. This means that both Cassie and Kasey will learn about a wider range of programming, observing and interacting with children, staff and families. Please see Brett or Sharon if you have any questions

Mothers Day

We hope that all our mum’s, nannas, grandmas and aunties had a fantastic Mothers Day

Time for the Winter Woolies

Winter is certainly upon us, and it is getting colder every week. It’s important that children come dressed in appropriate clothing for the weather i.e.  Long pants instead of shorts, socks, shoes., long sleeved shirts and jumpers. Please note that both scarves and hoods are not appropriate clothing to wear as they are a strangulation hazard, and therefore cannot be worn. Please note that children are not to wear slippers, ugg boots or gumboots, as these have poor grip and are a slipping/tripping hazard It is essential that all shoes fit correctly

PLEASE PACK A FULL SET OF SPARE CLOTHES INCLUDING SOCKS.

Henny Penny Chicken Hatchery

We are once again happy to provide the children with the interactive learning experience of the Henny Penny Chicken Hatchery. All the chickens have hatched, and we are now watching the chickens grow and develop

.This experience is a wonderful learning opportunity, and we happily provide this at no additional cost to families.

Cook Book

We are sad to say that due to lack of interest/support from families we will not be continuing with our Family Recipe Book Fundraiser. We would like to say a huge thankyou to the Jensen and Slatyer families for their recipes-we greatly appreciate your support of the centre and the children.

Thank you Sharon, Brett, Anneke, Tara, Nicole and Kasey

April 2011 Newsletter

Special Request from The Ocean Room

We are currently collecting materials to use for boxconstruction, and would greatly appreciate any donations ofboxes, cardboard tubes (sorry, no toilet rolls) and other itemswhich the children can use. Please see Anneke, Tara or Nicole if you have any questions.

Henny Penny Chicken Hatchery

We are once again happy to provide the children with theinteractive learning experience of the Henny Penny ChickenHatchery. The eggs and chickens will arrive on the 2nd May,and the experience will be here for two weeks. We will belooking for homes for the chickens, so please let Brett know ifyou would like any. We are sure the children will be thrilled bythe process of the eggs hatching and watching the chickensgrow and develop.This experience is a wonderful learning opportunity, and we happily provide this at no additional cost to families.

Contact Details

IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT YOU INFORM US IF ANY OFYOUR CONTACT DETAILS CHANGE. We have had several instances when we have needed to contact a family,only to discover that their phone numbers have changed. Thishas a huge impact on the well being of their child.It is essential that we are able to contact parents at all timeswhen their child is at the centre.

Staff Swap: Trainee Education

As you aware, Brett and Sharon also own RathminesPreschool. Due to a change in training regulations, traineesare now required to work with children in different age groups. As Rathmines caters for children aged 3-5 years, Cassie from Rathmines will be working here from the 16th-27th May,and Kasey will be working at Rathmines. This means thatboth Cassie and Kasey will learn about a wider range ofprogramming, observing and interacting with children, staff andfamilies. Please see Brett or Sharon if you have any questions

Safety & Consideration in our Car Park-PLEASE

As busy people we are well aware of how hard it is to organisechildren, drop them into childcare and school, then get on witha day-we certainly lead hectic lives. Whilst we appreciate ourfamilies have time constraints, UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCESARE CHILDREN OF ANY AGE TO BE LEFT UNATENDED INTHE CARPARK., UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES ARE CARSTO BE KEFT RUNNING IN THE CARPARK. Leaving childrenin a car is illegal, and we are obligated to inform the relevantauthorities when this happens.

Sneezin’ Season

One again we are at the time of year when many people have coughsand colds. We wish to remind families that the centre does not havethe facilities to cater for a sick child. When a child is starting a course ofantibiotics, they cannot attend the centre for the first 24 hours after thestart of the course. Any child who has a continual discharge of green,yellow or clear mucus from the nose is unable to attend-this also appliesto children with a persistent cough. We ask that families are honestabout their child’s health, as a child recovering from an illness can easily infect others.-please consider the health of all children who attend.Please remember that if a child is unwell enough to require medicationsuch as Panadol, Dimetap, Nurofen etc they are too unwell to attend thecentre. Staff realise and appreciate that it is difficult for a working parentwhen their child is too ill to attend, however the well being of all childrenand staff at the centre has to be considered. It is also essential that theExclusion Periods are adhered to at all times.

Happy Easter

We would like to wish all our families a safe and happy Easter.As part of our Easter Celebrations we will be having an EasterEgg Hunt each day from the 18th-21st April, where each childwill receive one small chocolate egg. Please inform staff inwriting if you do not want your child to participate. We will beclosed on Friday 22nd April, Monday 25th April and Tuesday26th April (Fees will not be charged for these days. Enjoy yourlong weekend! Thank you to everyone who has donated a prizefor our Easter Raffle, this will be drawn on Friday 15th April

Upcoming Events

• Steps Free Vision Screening (for children aged 4 years)
• Monday 2nd May Family Disco-June
• Joel Howlett Magic Show
• Bob Turner Reptile Show
• Cook Book Fundraiser-please place recipes in the box inthe entry foyer

Thank you Sharon, Brett, Anneke, Tara, Nicole andKasey